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IDOI announces ACA health insurance marketplace open enrollment and releases rates for the 2023 plan year

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Today is the start of Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace that runs from November 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. Once again, Illinoisans will benefit from having an additional month to enroll, just as they did last year.

The Illinois Department of Insurance also released health insurance rates for the 2023 Plan Year, announcing that there are eleven issuers offering ACA Marketplace plans. There were eleven issuers in plan year 2022, eight issuers in plan year 2021, and five in plan year 2020.

“We’re excited to welcome a new health insurance carrier to the ACA Marketplace this year with Aetna Health Inc. offering health plans in Cook, Lake and McHenry counties,” said IDOI Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. “Throughout the entire state, the number of plans increased again this year, and there are now 309 plans. Not every plan is available in every county, but nearly every county has even more plans to choose from than last year. More options and additional time to enroll will allow Illinoisans to make the best possible decisions to find the right health coverage for their family.”

In some areas of the state, consumers will again see a decrease in health insurance premiums this year, and other areas will see moderate increases, with the majority of counties having rate changes between 0% and 10% (in the second-lowest cost Silver plan).*

“We’re aware that health insurance coverage is an important part of the household budget, and we encourage consumers to visit Getcoveredillinois.gov where you can find out if you qualify for financial help to reduce the cost of your monthly premiums,” said Laura Pellikan, Executive Director for Get Covered Illinois. “Simply click our Shop and Enroll button to answer three questions that will help us direct you to either the ACA Marketplace where advanced premium tax credits may be available to you, or to Medicaid. At Getcoveredillinois.gov, we also connect you to local Navigators in your area who can help walk you through the enrollment process.” Pellikan said that consumers must enroll by December 15th to have health insurance coverage start on January 1st. Otherwise, coverage will begin at a later date.

After the January 15th deadline for Open Enrollment, consumers are only able to purchase insurance coverage on the ACA Marketplace if they have a qualifying life event, including losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a child, adopting a child, or moving.

Last year, 323,427 Illinoisans selected health plans on the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace during Open Enrollment and 12,938 consumers selected their plans during the last month of enrollment from December 15th to January 15th. **

Get Covered Illinois (GCI), a division of the Illinois Department of Insurance, is the official health marketplace or “exchange” for Illinois consumers to purchase quality, affordable health insurance, facilitated by the federal government through the ACA Marketplace.

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* From the 2023 Analysis of the Illinois Exchange Plan.
** Federal CMS enrollment numbers for the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace.

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Benld Council authorizes Civic Center repairs, approves lead water service line inventory

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Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night approved upward of $14,000 of work to correct a long-standing problem with wall dampness at the rear of the Benld Civic Center and entered into a $30,000 contract to inventory residential water service lines using lead pipes. Council members also debated a proposed ordinance to govern Air B&Bs in the city limits and approved partial payment for a recently completed water tower painting and maintenance project.

Ald. John Balzraine said the Civic Center work will correct a problem with moisture wicking into the back wall of the Civic Center from the ground. The ongoing problem has caused damage to the plaster interior finish. Balzraine told the council he obtained quotes from Woods Basement Systems, Collinsville, and Watson Construction, Gillespie, to correct the problem and replace concrete, tile and damaged plaster.

Woods Basement Systems plans to jackhammer out concrete at the base of the wall and install a sump pump at a cost of $4,948.08. Watson Construction will oversee the project, repair the damage, and build a closet in the northwest corner of the Civic Center to house equipment.

Woods “guaranteed this will fix the problem,” Balzraine said. “It’s a 100-year-old building that nothing has been done to fix it.”

LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY

On a motion by Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council voted unanimously to enter into a $30,000 professional services contract with HMG Engineers for grant-funded project to inventory the number of residences in the city that are service by lead water service lines. Justin Vonder Haar, an engineer with HMG Engineers, Breese, told the council the grant cannot be used to reimburse city expenditures. Provisions of the grant require the money to be paid to third-party providers such as HMG.

The goal is to identify homes with lead water service lines with an eye toward replacing those lines with non-toxic materials in the future. Vonder Haar said the state legislature currently is trying to identify funds to assist with the cost of water line replacement statewide. Lead leaching into drinking water through lead service lines is detrimental to human health with long-term exposure.

Now that a contract has been approved, Vonder Haar said HMG would submit an application to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to release the first $15,000 of the grant funds.

He said a first step will involve sending a flier to Benld residents encouraging them to voluntarily report to the city whether or not they rely on lead water service lines. Depending upon the initial response, Vonder Haar said HMG may retain a local plumber to canvass door-to-door at non-responsive residences to identify lead service lines. The initial inventory will to involve digging up lines to examine them. In instances where it cannot be determined whether a line is lead or not, surveyors will make a projection based on the nature of other service lines in the immediate area.

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When grant funds become available to replace lines, Vonder Haar said the grant award will be based on the number of lead lines identified during the initial inventory.

“At that time, if you dig up a line and it turns out to not be lead, that money can be used to replace other lines,” he said.

On Vonder Haar’s recommendation, the council approved a payment of $72,018 to Neuman Company Contractors for a recently completed painting and maintenance project on the city’s water storage tower, but retained a payment of $19,200 remaining on the contract pending resolution of a problem with a telemetry sensor on the tower. The sensor monitors the water level in the tower and controls a valve to maintain the appropriate level.

PHASE TWO BIDS SOUGHT

The council voted unanimously to advertise for bids from contractors to complete the second phase of work on developing the former site of Benld Elementary School as a sports park facility. The second phase will include installation of underground utilities, including sanitary sewer lines, storm sewers and water lines, along with grading work in advance of construction of park facilities. Upon completion, the park will include a softball field, baseball field and soccer/football field, along with other amenities.

In association with the non-profit Benld Sports Association, the city is developing the 11-acre site as a sports and outdoor recreation park. Community Unit School District 7 transferred the property to the city several years after a mine subsidence event destroyed the then seven-year-old Benld Elementary School. With the city acting as the sponsoring agency, the project was awarded a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development Grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Once construction is complete, maintenance and operation of the facility will be the responsibility of the Sports Association.

AIR B&Bs

Council members spent several minutes discussing provisions they want included in a new ordinance governing the operation of short-term rental properties popularly known as Air B&Bs within the city limits. Mayor Jim Kelly said at least one property owner is operating as a short-term rental facility already.

City Attorney Rick Verticchio is expected to draft a proposed ordinance for action at the council’s October meeting.

Among the provisions council members directed Verticchio to include:

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  • A license application fee of $50 per property, which is the same fee that applies for a business license.
  • An initial housing inspection at a cost of $75, plus a $50 housing inspection every six months thereafter.
  • A city tax of four percent of revenue or $20 per rental day, whichever is less.
  • A provision requiring tenants to be 18 years old or older.

The proposed ordinance also will provide for the owner to lose their license to operate if the property is found to be a public nuisance by a court of law. That provision is expected to control issues such as loud music, parties or criminal activity.

Verticchio suggested that zoning could be an issue, but the consensus of the council was that the city could not ban Air B&Bs from operating within areas zoned as residential areas.

Ald. Balzraine asked if the city could simply ban the practice of short-term rentals completely, but Verticchio said the municipality was not empowered to dictate what types of businesses could operate in the city as long as the business is otherwise legal.

CITY COMPTROLLER HOURS

The council approved an amendment to an ordinance to increase the number of hours for which the City Comptroller can be paid from a maximum of 40 hours per month to 60 hours. City Clerk Terri Koyne currently serves as the City Comptroller by appointment by the mayor. The ordinance provides for the comptroller to be paid minimum wage as established by Illinois law. Kelly said Koyne has been required to devote more time to the position because of grant application writing and grant administration duties.

MINIMUM SEWER CHARGE

On a motion by Ald. Fletcher, seconded by Ald. Mickey Robinson, the council unanimously approved a measure to set the minimum fee for sewer services at $20 per month. Mayor Kelly said provisions of a grant used for recent sewer improvements require the city to collect at least a minimum fee for all residences with a sewer connection. Monthly bills include charges for water, plus a charge for sewer based on the volume of water used. However, Kelly said there are some residents who are not connected to water services and who claim to bring in water for drinking, cleaning and flushing toilets—which precludes the city from determining how much waste that household contributes to the sewer system. The new fee structure will require such households to pay $20 monthly for sewer services despite the lack of city water service.

ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS

No specific action followed a 10-minute executive session requested by Ald. Jerry Saracco.

City Clerk Koyne announced that she plans to have a binder available at city hall in which to record ordinance violations issued by city aldermen. She asked that the responsible alderman report back as to whether or not the violation had been corrected by the deadline specified by the citation. Violations that have not been corrected by the deadline can then be referred to the City Attorney for further enforcement.

Koyne also announced that a Clean-Up Day for city residents has been set for Oct. 14. Residents who have refuse to be picked up should have their items on the curb for pick-up by 6 a.m.

TRICK OR TREAT

Annual trick or treating hours were set at 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 30 and 31 by a unanimous vote of the council.

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Gillespie Police Report: September 10-16, 2023

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Maple Street. Jesse J. Kahl, 36, of Wilsonville was arrested for driving with suspended registration and driving under the influence.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Burton Street in reference to a civil standby and criminal trespass to property.

An officer was dispatched to Farley Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to criminal trespass to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to child custody exchange.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to to a domestic dispute.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld.  Nicholas C. Flournoy, 23, if Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.

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An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Burton Street in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstance.

An officer was dispatched to the Coal Country Sports Complex in the 1000 block of North Adams Street in reference to illegal parking in the handicap areas.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Spruce Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer during normal patrol noticed an open door at a residence in the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld. The officer spoke with the property owner who was cleaning out the home.

An officer was dispatched to the area of 1st Street in Benld in reference to a vehicle with a loud exhaust.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Maple Street. Myron W. Zollicoffer, 51, of Royal Lakes was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.  Haley M. Holmes, 30, of Illiopolis was issued citations for illegal transportation, speeding, obstructing justice, resist/obstruct/ a peace officer and obstructing identification.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Second Street in reference to a dog at large.  Tiffany L. McCoy, 40, of Virden was issued a citation for dog at large.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Harding Avenue in East Gillespie. Rickey D. Bell, 63 of Gillespie was arrested for driving on suspended driver’s license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld.  Susanne K. Hartman, 43, of Gillespie was issued citations for overtaking and passing a school bus, expiration of registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Pine Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.

The School Resource officer was dispatched to report a fight in High School Parking lot.

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An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a medical assist.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Che N. Lang, 32, of Freeburg was issued a citation for expired registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Adam J. Wieties, 40, of Carlinville was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was out with a subject near Pomatto Park whom advised he was homeless.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Street in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.

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An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of 8th Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street to speak with individual in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to fraud.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the alley way behind the Dairy Queen in reference to a medical assist.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue in Benld. Jordan R. Libbra, 24, of Mt. Olive was issued a citation for suspended registration.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Division Street in Mt. Clare. Timothy G. Gruhlke, 46, of Staunton was arrested for driving under the influence and improper lane usage.

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An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suicidal subject.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a neighbor dispute.

An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Rice Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henry Street in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine in reference to criminal damage.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 1st Street in Benld. Richard L. Dodson, 69, of Litchfield was issued a citation for operating uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the Big Brick Park in reference to suspicious items.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

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An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Fulton Street in reference to an animal death.

Daniel R. Sawyer, 46, of Gillespie was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to register as a sex offender.

An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Western in reference to criminal trespass and a suspicious person.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a physical altercation. Joshua L. Wilson, 26, of Benld was arrested for battery, and Jarrett I. McIntosh, 31, of Benld was arrested for battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to juvenile issue.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a dumpster fire.

An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Spruce Street and Rice Street. Ronald M. Burns, 35, of Litchfield was arrested for driving while license are suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and unlawful us of weapon.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Madison Street in reference to a civil issue.

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An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut in reference to a mental subject.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a missing juvenile.

An officer was dispatched to the 2200 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a security check.

An officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store in Benld in reference to a gas leak until the Fire Department could get on scene.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Street to check on a female that was on 4 day furlough with electronic monitoring.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a transportation issue that took place in Springfield. She was referred to Springfield Police Department.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.

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An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property in the 300 block of South 5th Street in Benld.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Second Street in reference to an ordinance issue illegal burning.  Kelly E. Lyons, 58, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to a dog at Large. Tiffany L. McCoy, 40, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Main Street and Central Avenue in Benld. Kenneth J. Hughes, 50, of Wilsonville was issued a citation for suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Madison Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School parking lot to check wellbeing of a person.

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An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Staunton Road. Norma J. Pollard, 69, of Alton was issued a citation for expired registration.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Gloria A. Darr, 72, of Medora was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie.  Edith K. Schehl, 51, of Staunton was issued a citation for speeding.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Black Diamond Days may return to downtown for 2024

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Downtown Gillespie was flooded with people yesterday for Black Diamond Days. (Photo by Angelia Fenton)

Gillespie’s Black Diamond Days festival could return to the downtown commercial district if the city council approves a resolution seeking permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation to close a section of Illinois Route 4 to accommodate the struggling festival.

Ald. Landon Pettit, who also serves as a member of the Black Diamond Days Committee, said bringing the festival back downtown was a possibility during the regular monthly meeting of the city council Monday night.

“We were told that once we lost our permit to close Macoupin Street, we could never come back,” Pettit said. “It turns out that that is not true.” To return to the downtown area, he said, would only require the city council to seek IDOT’s permission to close a section of Illinois Route 4, which coincides with Macoupin Street.

“I’m dead set against it,” said Ald. Dave Link, who owns Lumpy’s Bar and Grill downtown. “For all the years it was downtown, we were basically shut down for the weekend.” He suggested contracting downtown merchants to see whether or not they favor bringing the festival back.

“Don’t do that,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio counseled. “Have a public meeting. That way, if they want to come up and talk to us, they can.”

Mayor John Hicks said he would set a date for a public meeting in October, official notice of which will be published in local news outlets.

City Treasurer Dan Fisher said another issue could be the start of construction on a long-anticipated Streetscape Project to improve downtown aesthetics. Fisher was confident, however, the festival could be worked around any construction that might be underway.

Promoted as “Macoupin County’s Original Festival of Coal,” the festival began as an annual summertime ritual more than 40 years ago. It was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, a group of volunteers attempted to revive the festival, relocating it to Old Gillespie Lake. A last-minute cancellation forced the festival to open without a carnival for the first time this year. Organizers brought in inflatable “bounce houses” to entertain younger festival-goers as an alternative to traditional carnival rides.

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“Being out at the lake, we’ve lost substantial amounts of money every year, trying to keep it going,” Pettit said. “Every year we hear that people want it back downtown.”

He said the committee has been bolstered by several new members who “have stepped up to help us.”

Council members voted unanimously, with Ald. Pettit voting “present,” to waive the vendor permit fee for vendors participating in Spooky Halloween Fright at Gillespie Lake in October. Teresa Pettit told the council that the organizing committee would ask vendors to voluntarily donate $20 to be given to the Lake Fund. She also notified the council that the group is securing a $1 million liability insurance policy as required by the city.

The event is set for Friday evening, Oct. 20, and all day on Saturday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 28. In addition to vendors, the event will feature bounce houses, games and crafts for kids, a chili cook-off, a wings cook-off, a fishing tournament, bonfires, and a “haunted” trail. There will be a cakewalk, best costume contests and a best decorated campsite contest. Additional activities include a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, raffles, 50/50 drawings, a trunk or treat event and a costumed Halloween parade.

Pettit said she wasn’t previously aware that the organizers needed city permission for the event.

“Like so many things, it comes down to communication,” Verticchio said, advising Pettit to approach the city in advance for future events on city property. “You come up here and tell them what you want to do and chances are is no one is going to say ‘no,’ because this looks like a very nice event that is going to make the community better.”

NUISANCE PROPERTIES

The council met in executive session for 35 minutes before addressing the agenda. The closed-door session officially was called to discuss personnel, litigation, real estate and collective bargaining, but may have focused on the status of litigation against several nuisance properties.

Upon returning to open session, resident Ellen Collman complained about her property being declared a public nuisance without prior notice. She said she has been making progress toward cleaning up the property and said she would like to have the declaration withdrawn.

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“Not one person sitting at this table has spoken to me about this,” Collman said.

Ald. Link, who asked for the nuisance declaration originally, said the property owners had cut grass and weeds in the back and removed most of a dilapidated fence, but there was still trash and debris that remained to be removed. He said he had talked with neighbors who told him the property had been in a state of poor maintenance for as long as nine years.

Verticchio told Collman there was no reason to withdraw the nuisance declaration, describing it essentially as an incentive for property owners to clean up their property to avoid litigation. While the notice gives the property owners 30 days to comply, he said it was common practice to give the owners more time if they are actively working to abate the nuisance.

“My experience is that when the city issues a formal notice, the property owner goes out and fixes it,” Verticchio said. “If you do that, that’s it. When it’s cleaned up, you’ll get a letter telling you the property is no longer a nuisance.  I guarantee you that as long as you keep working on it, this group is not going to have me file an action in court because they don’t want to spend any more money on me to do that.”

In other action, the council declared property at 411 West Chestnut and 503 West Chestnut as public nuisances.

Later in the meeting, the board authorized payment of Tax Increment Financing Funds in the amount of $1,385 to Netemeyer Engineering, Aviation, for completing engineering evaluations for buildings at 109 South Macoupin and 300 South Macouipin. Both buildings have previously been declared public nuisances. The owner of 109 South Macoupin reportedly offered to donate the building to the city but city officials wanted to confirm what it would cost to stabilize the building before accepting it.

Ald. Dona Rauzi reported that the tax-buyer that acquired a nuisance property at 508 Park Avenue is exploring the feasibility of razing the structure.

Council members also briefly discussed the status of the former Canna Theater, recently acquired by a private party who has plans to renovate the building as a performance venue. Fisher reported that he talked to the new owner and learned she expects to first repair the roof and a water damaged wall to stabilize the building, and is in the process of cleaning out the interior.

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GOLF CART RULES

After several minutes of discussion the council voted unanimously on separate motions to require golf courts operated in the city limits to be fitted with seatbelts, and to reduce the minimum age for golf court operators from 18 to 16, with the provision that the operator has a valid driver’s license. Both provisions will take effect on Jan. 1 when golf court permits are renewed.

Ald. Landon Pettit questioned whether or not young children riding a passengers in golf courts should be secured in a car seat. He said he had observed young children riding in golf carts who were simply strapped in with a seatbelt. He said he worried about a child slipping out from under the belt and being injured.

Verticchio advised that city police charged with enforcing such an ordinance could not be certified to determine whether the seat is properly installed because golf cart seats are not designed to accommodate a child safety seat.

Fritz asked if the city could be held liable for a child’s injury or death if it did not require child safety seats.

“You’d have greater liability if you require car seats and some kid gets bounced out,” Verticchio said. “Some smart lawyer would say, ‘Hey, the kid would have been fine if the city hadn’t said they had to be in a car seat’,”

PARKING ON LJ AVENUE

On the direction of the council, Verticchio said he would prepare an ordinance which, if approved, would ban parking on LJ Avenue during sporting events.

Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller initially asked for new No Parking signs to replace faded signs on LJ Avenue, but asked that the new signs to ban parking at all times rather than during school hours. The street runs between the Gillespie High School campus and the football field, and becomes congested with parked cars during football games.

“People park on both sides and it basically becomes a one-way street,” she said. “I don’t know how many times I’ve had a kid run out in front of me from between parked cars.”

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Verticchio said he would prepare a draft ordinance for the council’s consideration in October. In the meantime, Mayor Hicks said he would contact the school to see if they would agree to barricade the street during sporting events.

Ald. Fritz also suggested approaching the school district to see if it would consider donating a couple of half-lots on Park Avenue, previously listed as surplus, to the City of Gillespie. The district apparently received no bids from private buyers to acquire the half-lots. Having them, Fritz said, would give the city access to Bear Creek to cut brush and otherwise maintain the waterway. Verticchio said the school district could transfer the properties via an intergovernmental agreement if it so chooses.

MFT BID LETTING

An announcement by City Treasurer Fisher that the Illinois Department of Transportation is letting bids for the Motor Fuel Tax program on Oct. 21 sparked a brief discussion about the type of rock used for the city’s street maintenance program. Fisher said IDOT will open bids for furnace slag to be used on city streets because it causes less dust than traditional rock chips.

Ald. Pettit, however, said he had seen a product called “purple rock” in use and deemed it equal to or superior to slag. Purple rock, also called Iron Mountain Track Rock, is considered an alternative for slag since sources for furnace slag are dwindling.

Fisher said the bidding specifications approved by the council earlier call for slag and that it might be possible to seek bids for purple rock next year.

CHESTNUT CULVERT

The council referred to the Street Department a request to install a new culvert at Chestnut and Handy streets for correct a water flow issue that arose after the construction of a public housing complex in the area.

Ald. Pettit said the new intake is above the level of the water flow, causing rain water to back up into neighboring yards. He said it may take as many as four culverts to correct the issue. Mayor Hicks asked the Street Department to assess the issue and determine the best and most cost-effective way to address it.

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the council:

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  • Agreed to set the standard fee for business licenses at $25 per year to streamline bookkeeping. The city formerly had a schedule of fees ranging from $12 to $25 depending upon the type of business.
  • Accepted a new lease agreement for a cellular tower at Gillespie Lake under which the tower owner wills pay $1,000 per month, an increase of $250 from the previous contract.
  • Accepted a bid of $300 to repaint pedestrian striping on Kelly Street at BenGil Elementary School.
  • Agreed to donate an old communications tower at the former Gillespie Police Department to the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service.
  • Gave the Mayor power to act on accepting bids for 21 surplus radio units previously used the Police Department.
  • Agreed to pay an outstanding bill from TDI Concrete from Tax Increment Financing Funds, provided the contractor provides proof of paying its employees prevailing wages.

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